Pac-12 Won't Expand

The Pac-12 Conference "has decided not to expand, ending weeks of speculation about whether it would invite as many as four high-profile members of the Big 12 Conference and dramatically alter the landscape in college sports," the Salt Lake Tribune reports.

"The announcement came late Tuesday night, after league commissioner Larry Scott spoke with university presidents from around the league. There was no need for a vote on whether to invite any of the Big 12 schools, one source said, because Scott and the presidents knew they ultimately did not want to move in that direction. 

"The decision means that Oklahoma and Texas — the two driving forces in the expansion discussion, along with Oklahoma State and Texas Tech — will have to find some other way to satisfy their interests, and could signal the survival of the presumed-dead Big 12."

Full statement:

“After careful review we have determined that it is in the best interests of our member institutions, student-athletes and fans to remain a 12-team conference,” Scott said in a statement. “While we have great respect for all of the institutions that have contacted us, and certain expansion proposals were financially attractive, we have a strong conference structure and culture of equality that we are committed to preserve. With new landmark TV agreements and plans to launch our innovative television networks, we are going to focus solely on these great assets, our strong heritage and the bright future in front of us.” 

Meanwhile, OU President David Boren has issued this statement in response:

“We were not surprised by the Pac 12′s decision to not expand at this time. Even though we had decided not to apply for membership this year, we have developed a positive relationship with the leadership of the conference and we have kept them informed of the progress we’ve been making to gain agreement from the Big 12 for changes which will make the conference more stable in the future. Conference stability has been our first goal and we look forward to achieving that goal through continued membership in the Big 12 Conference.”